2 killed, several injured in shooting at Kentucky high school; 15-year-old in custody

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Emergency crews respond to Marshall County High School after a fatal school shooting Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2018, in Benton, Ky. Authorities said a shooting suspect was in custody. (Ryan Hermens/The Paducah Sun via AP)

By
Theresa Seiger, Cox Media Group National Content Desk

BENTON, Ky.
—

Two teenagers died Tuesday morning after a 15-year-old student at Kentucky’s Marshall County High School opened fire on campus, authorities said at a news conference.

Officials did not identify the suspected shooter, who police said walked into the school just before 8 a.m., armed with a handgun. He shot 14 people before being stopped by a deputy with the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office, according to Kentucky State Police.

He was in police custody on Tuesday afternoon. State Police Commissioner Rick Sanders said he will likely face charges of murder and attempted murder.

“It’s a tragic day for all of us,” Sanders said. “I would just assure you of one thing: We in law enforcement will do our job and do it well, and we will pray for the families that are affected.”

Gov. Matt Bevin said a total of 19 people were injured in Tuesday’s attack, 14 of which were shot. Five other people suffered unspecified, non-gunshot related injuries, he said.

Authorities found a 15-year-old student dead at the scene of the shooting when they arrived just after 8 a.m. A second victim, a 15-year-old male, died at a hospital, Bevin said.

Earlier Tuesday, Bevin called the shooting "a tremendous tragedy" in a statement posted on Twitter.

"It is unbelievable that this would happen in a small, close-knit community like Marshall County," he said. "As there is still so much unknown, I encourage people to love on each other at this time. Do not speculate, but come alongside each other in support and allow the facts to come out."